Regis University or National University for BS/MS in Computer Science?

Right now, I'm torn between Regis University or National University and their Computer Science Programs.

I'm partial to Regis, due to the dual BS/MS program that they offer, but National University seems specifically tailored to active duty military personnel.

Can anyone offer any insight?

 

Regis is pretty expensive, isn't it? It seems to me that there are a lot more choices. How did you narrow it down to these specific programs?

 

Both schools are fine schools, I would look at the curriculum and chose the one that appeals to you. The only negative thing about National University is that people might thing that it is an online-only school, not the case, and that they are nationally accredited, again not the case. I suspect that since you are military, then the military will foot the bill. If that is the case, go with a school that appeals to you more. I would choose Regis, hopefully other members will chime in. Good luck!

 

I earned my master's at National University and it was a rewarding experience. Great programs, mostly great instructors and I learned a lot. Back in 2003, when I earned my master's, the program was about $12K, it's probably a lot more now.

 

National University looks like it has a great program. You can always ask them about a combined BS/MS thing where you substitute some grad courses for upper division electives. Both programs look comparable, so I'd say pick whichever is more convenient for you.

 

I am curious, where do you find the information that National University is accredited by the National Accreditation body?

 

It is now...but it wasn't always that way. In fact, one of the main reasons why I chose Regis was because it was affordable. The school's tuition has doubled since I was Regis student.

 

You are correct, I was not saying that National University is nationally accredited, I know that they are RA. However, due to the name, some may think otherwise.

 

Yes, I agree; it's an unfortunate choice for a name. However, I don't think that many people would make the assumption that they are NA. We tend to be very watchful of that sort of thing here on Degree Info, but I'm not sure that many outside of here and a few other circles would even be aware of that sort of thing. Even if they were, all it would take is a quick check of NU's accreditation to see that they are fully RA.

 

Thanks for all the input everyone. After doing some more extended research, I think I've settled with Regis. ABET certification (while not necessarily) certainly helps with credibility. That, and the program seems solid; it allows a greater opportunity to explore different programming languages (contrasting to NU's focus on C++ and Java). I also happen to like how their MS in Software Engineering program is set up. I'm hoping I can finish both of them by the time I get out. I have just about 60 credits worth of college coursework done (along with all of my military training), so I'm sure that'll help.

 

I was also looking at UMUC's program. It seems decent; I just wish they had a Masters in CS as well. Oh well, c'est la vie.

 

Franklin University has a combined BS/MS in Computer Science available 100% online: Franklin Joint BS/MS in Computer Science

Also, don't overlook Old Dominion's CS program. It looks to be a very solid curriculum from a respectable school and at $263/credit, it is an absolute steal. It doesn't look like they have a combined BS/MS program, but it's still very solid: ODU BS in Computer Science

 

I have been looking at these two schools as well as some others. As far as just the masters degree the tuition is about the same ($21-23,000) with National Univ being slightly cheaper. Minot State Univ is also interesting. Below are some comments.

National Univ. MS Computer Science
- Take one class per 4 week quarter to finish in one year
- 6 core classes, 4 specialization, 2 project
- Online, open book exams (not proctored)
- Classes have written assignments
- Two project classes

Regis Univ. MS Software Engineering
- Uses C# (or Java) language in classes
- Take two classes per 8 week terms to finish in one year
- I think exams are not proctored (at least undergrad are not)
- Only 1 thesis, capstone or project class
- Some forum posts suggest 20-25 hours per week of work per class (ouch)

Minot State Univ. MS Information Systems
- Cheapest at $8,000
- Courses are 8-16 weeks long
- Can be done in 9 months if you start in the fall otherwise 16 months
- More of a management degree
- No programming classes
- Not a CS or Soft. Eng degree

 

Franklin's program seems rather solid. Thank you for showing me it. I would do ODU's CS program, but I think the tuition rate you wrote applies only to VA residents. It's triple for non-VA residents.

 

The ODU tuition isn't very clear. Here is the tuition: Cost Overview - Old Dominion University

So their in-state tuition is $263/unit, their online tuition is $263/unit, BUT tuition for non-Virginia residents who are currently living in Virginia is $741/unit. So basically, if you move to Virginia from another state & go to ODU, you're paying $743/unit until you're officially a resident. All other cases pay $263/unit.

In any case, that tuition rate is phenomenal & the program is right on the money (as far as required courses).

 

Wow. You're right. I just looked it up for myself. It's great. Now I just need to decide where to do the Masters program at. Any suggestions?

 

I mean, my #1 choice would be University of Illinois - Urbana Champaign. They are ranked in the top 5 by U.S. News for grad schools in computer science. The offer a Masters of Computer Science (professional Master's = no thesis) fully online: Online Program | Department of Computer Science at Illinois

The program is in the $30k-$40k range, but with the money you save from ODU, it probably balances.

Another top 20 CS/Engineering school that offers a MS in CS online is University of Southern California: Degree Programs

USC is pricey but a good school.

Of course, there is also a Stanford MSCS degree (Computer Science MS Degree | Stanford University Online) that is approaching $60k, as well as Carnegie Melon Software Engineering degrees for around the same price (Programs - Software Engineering Masters Programs - Carnegie Mellon University). But to me, Urbana Champaign is the best bang for the buck. There are tons of schools that offer graduate degrees in CS via distance learning (many more than what you find for undergrad programs). The sky (and maybe price) is the limit.

 

Thanks for the info. I'm primarily interested in distance learning. Any thoughts from there?

 

All of the programs I listed are distance learning.